About our Hobby CNC Kit

The OX Hobby CNC Machine makes full use of the excellent V-Slot Extrusion system. The Y-Axis uses the biggest size available, 20 x 80mm, and the X-Axis has Dual 20 x 60mm's plus an extra 20 x 40mm for added rigidity. The OX CNC is available in multiple sizes from a small desktop 500x750mm to a giant 1500 x 1500mm.

The OX CNC uses a total of 30 Xtreme Solid V Wheels. These are manufactured from super hard polycarbonate, reducing wheel compression, and keeps wear to a minimum.

The plate designs on the OX Hobby CNC are based on the originals by Mark Carew. However we have added our own touches to increase the performance and design of the CNC Machine. On the Y-Axis we have added an inner wheel brace, which reduces the movement of the wheels, and also helps to shield the wheels from cutting debris. All the plates supplied with OX CNC are manufactured from 6082 Aluminum, then shot blast and anodized in matt black, to give a very sleek finish.

The Full Kit

Our full kit includes everything you need to build a working CNC Machine apart from the spoiler board. Our OX Kit makes use of the extremely popular Hobby CNC xPro controller. The CNC xPro is a fully featured GRBL Based controller, it comes equipped with four beefy DRV8825's stepper drivers with enough power to run the 175oz NEMA23 Stepper motors included with the CNC Machine. The CNC xPro paired with the included 24V 350W Power supply and Electronics cooling mounts, ensure for a reliable machine that can easily complete them super long jobs.

For safety, good cable management is essential on a machine like this, and we have it covered. Our kit comes with a complete cable carrier system for the X and Y-Axis.

The optional router mount for our CNC Kit is designed to be compatible with the Dewalt 26200, Bosch Colt, or any other 71mm outer diameter router.

Ease of Assembly

We are known for making excellent instruction manuals, and the ones with the OX CNC Machine are no different. We have made complete written instruction manuals, with IKEA'eske assembly diagrams. Using our written manuals will make the build a breeze.

If you have any problems along the way, we are available by phone or email to help you. Also the Openbuilds website and forum (www.openbuilds.com) is a invaluable resource for information and assistance. We also have our own Openbuilds forum thread running for people to discuss this CNC kit, please check it out: www.openbuilds.com/ooznest-ox-cnc-machine

Made In Britain

Us and the OX CNC Machine are a proud member of the Made In Britain Directory. The OX CNC Kit is assembled in our UK Warehouse, and we are always pushing to get more individual parts manufactured in the UK. Currently all the extrusions, wires, and plastic parts are manufactured in Britain. We have built a reputation for excellent customer service, and we aim to keep it, when you contact us you can be 100% sure you will be speaking to someone in our UK Office.

What is in the Kit

The Full Kit includes everything needed to build a working OX CNC Machine except the MDF Spoiler Board. Please see additional extras that can be added in the section below.

All the V-Slot Rails are supplied pre-cut and tapped. The Z-Axis ACME Lead screw is cut to the required length, and slightly filed, to insure a snug fit with the 688zz bearings.

Please see the tab 'Software' above to get an overview of the software provided and not provided with the machine.

To complete the build of this Hobby CNC machine, only simple tools are needed, Allen keys, Screw drivers, and Pliers.

Extra Options

Router Mount

By default the full kit doesn't come with a router mount. The Z-Axis extrusion is 60mm wide, with 3 slots at 20mm spacing, to mount whatever attachment you want, may it be a Spindle, Laser, or something else.

There is three options for the Router Mount. The first is the router mount only, this is a solid aluminium mount designed to work with any 71mm outer diameter router. This includes all the hardware needed to mount it to the machine.

The second option includes the router mount above, plus a DeWalt D26200 as seen in the pictures. This is a 900W Input (620W Output), 16000-27000rpm manual speed compact router, with a 1/4” Collet. Please note we only supply the 240V 3 Pin UK Plug Version.

The third option includes the router mount, DeWalt 26200, and an End Mill Kit. The End Mill Kit consist of 7 end mills, they are 1/4", 1/8", 1/16" end mills in both square end and ball end, and a 90 Degree Engraving Bit. A 1/8" collet for the Dewalt 26200 is also included.

The same options above are also available for the Makita RT0700CX4 palm router, this is a slightly smaller router, therefore adapters will be provided. The Makita is a 710W Input, 10000-30000rpm manual speed compact router, with a 1/4” Collet. Please note we only supply the 240V 3 Pin UK Plug Version. If the mill kit is chosen a 1/8" Makita collet will be supplied

Dust Shoe

CNC Machining is naturally a messy job, containing and removing the cutting debris with a dust shoe will keep the machine clean and allow it to run much smoother. A cleaner machine will also mean the mechanical parts will wear significantly less. The dust shoe will also create a vacuum environment for the cut, removing chips and thus removing heat, this will improve cutting performance and increase the milling bit life span. If you are considering to use the OX CNC Machine in a production environment we would highly recommend using a dust shoe.

Our split-shoe is specially designed for smaller CNC Machines like the OX, and will clamp around any 71mm outer diameter router, this includes the DeWalt D26200. It has a clear arcylic plate that allows the cut to be viewed during operation, and a 2” brush that magnetically attaches to the upper plate. The removable brush ring allows for quick and easy access to change the bit. The vacuum outlet is 2-1/2”.

Software

All Software Bought With The Machine Is Discounted By 5% From Its Normal Price.

The OX CNC Machine has the following software work flow: CAD → CAM → G-Code Sender.

The G-Code sender takes the file produced from the CAM Software, and sends it to the machine via USB. In addition you can also jog the machine, enter manual commands, and configure the firmware within it. We recommend Universal G-Code Sender, this program is freely available and our instruction manual covers downloading and installing it. Whatever software option you choose (Even 'None') this is included.

CAM Software produces G-Code tool paths from your CAD designs. We do not provide CAM Software with the machine, unless chosen as an option. We have tried nearly all the offerings available, and have settled with the software made by Vectric. It is powerful software, but very easy to use. Please see the tab 'Software' above to see a breakdown of the different versions available. However the OX is fully compatible with any CAM Software which can export G-Code, this includes free ones like Fusion360 and Sketchucam.

Connectivity

By standard the CNC Machine is connected via a USB Cable. The USB Cable provided is extremely high quality to minimize any external interference. USB Cables work well but can be prone to snagging. On larger machines their limited length can also be an issue.

The bluetooth adapter solves these issues. With the bluetooth adapter connecting to the machine and controlling it, is the same as if there was a USB cable, however there isn't. Using a USB cable negates the chance of a cable snagging, removes the fears of electrical interference, and allows control of the machine from a more distant computer.

We would like to give a big thank you to Mark Carew and Openbuilds part store for designing an excellent Hobby CNC Machine and V-Slot system, which they have allowed to be freely shared, remixed, and sold. We would also like to thank the Openbuilds and wider community for sharing their upgrades to make the OX even better.

Once the OX CNC machine is built, it has the following software work flow: CAD → CAM → G-Code Sender.

The G-Code Sender software allows you to configure the firmware settings, move the machine around, and send the g-code job file to the machine. In the manual we cover using the very simple Universal G-Code Sender, which is a free java based program. There is other free options available such as GRBL Panel and Chilipeppr.

Other pieces of software you will need are a CAD program (Create your designs) and CAM program (Turn your designs into g-code toolpaths). Most CAM programs have basic CAD functionality built in which will achieve the majority of tasks. There is multiple free CAM programs available such as Fusion360 and Sketchucam.

We have tried nearly all free and paid CAM software available, and have found the offering by Vectric to be the best in terms of functionality and ease of use. We have partnered with Vectric to offer their software as a bundle with our OX CNC Machine. They sell 3 different variants, we have outlined them below, but for more info please visit Vectric

Cut2D

Cut2D by Vectric is an incredibly powerful but intuitive CAM solution for cutting parts on CNC Machine Routers. Cut2D includes tools for both 2D Design and editing as well as G-Code toolpath creation.

With Cut2D Desktop and Cut2D Pro you can import a design from other CAD programs or use the inbuilt drawing tools to create your design. All the common CNC operations are covered in the toolpath options, including profiling, pocketing, auto-inlays, and drilling. High level control of each operation is provided with appropriate settings. Each toolpath can be previewed individually or collectively to get instant feedback on how the the job will look.

VCarve

VCarve is an easy to use but still very powerful piece of software for creating toolpaths to make parts on a CNC Machine. Alongside tools to create 2D Designs and Toolpaths, VCarve also has the ability to import a single 3D Model (STL, OBJ, SKP etc.) Further more VCarve can also import Vectric clip art 3D Models to create more complex 3D assemblies.

With VCarve Desktop and VCarve Pro you can import 2D Designs from external programs, but also use the in built drawing features to create your own. All the common CNC operations are covered in the toolpath options, including profiling, pocketing, auto-inlays, and drilling. 2.5D operations like V-Carving, Prism Carving, Moulding, Fluting and even texturing are also present in VCarve. With 3D operations you can rough and finish the model, as well as project 2D/2.5D designs onto a 3D Model. With each operation there is also high level control available through appropriate settings. Each toolpath can be previewed individually or collectively to get instant feedback on how the job will look.

Aspire

Built on the same platform as the VCarve Software, Aspire has the same intuitive interface and simplicity for use in design and machining. In addition to the powerful tools provided by VCarve, Aspire enables you to transform 2D sketches, photos, drawings, and digital artwork into detailed 3D relief models. From these models Aspire can calculate roughing and finishing tool paths so these shapes can be accurately cut.

Even though Aspire is very easy to use, it is used by a wide range of individuals and business to produce a whole range of parts from decorative panels & signs to moulds & awards. The applications for Aspire are endless.

Aspires 3D component modelling coupled with the extensive 2D tools makes it easy to work on existing 2D and 3D Models as well as create your own from scratch. Vectric have developed a unique approach to 3D Modelling with Aspire, models can be easily built up from simple shapes, and modified at anytime without having to recreate the component. Working with 3D Shapes from 2D vectors is very interactive, in Aspire any changes are instantly updated in the 3D View to show exactly what the final result will look like. 3D Components can be displayed in various materials and colours to give an accurate representation that can be presented to customers or clients.

Desktop Or Pro?

Cut2D and VCarve come in two variants, Desktop for hobby users with smaller CNC machines (under 25" x 25" or 635mm x 635mm) and Pro which have no size limit and also includes production orientated features like Nesting, Toolpath Templates, Scripting (Gadgets) and Job Setup Sheets. If you choose a machine 750x1000mm or greater you will need to choose the Pro version to take advantage of your full cut area.

With the software you will receive 1 year of free updates, and should register your license on their website at the soonest moment to receive these. If you decide you want to use their more advanced software, you can upgrade your license to their other offerings for a discounted price

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A revolution is coming… one where our 2D thoughts are turned into 3D realities and where you have full control of your creative experiments, with a little help from an online expert community that loves to share what we do. Ooznest is a proud cog in that machine - supplying the 3D printing community with what they need to grow and thrive.